Common Errors in Research Essay Writing

For many students, the prospect of writing a research essay is daunting. Where to begin? What to write? What to include? How to document it? The questions seem endless. There are a number of pitfalls to avoid when writing a research essay. Being aware of these dangers and knowing where to get help are the first steps in writing a successful paper.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing a Research Essay

Not planning the process

Use the 1/3 time plan:

1/3 of time to research and prepare

1/3 of time for drafting

1/3 of time for revising, and editing

Leaving it too late

Start the process several weeks in advance.

Collecting research material too early

Before collecting a lot of research material, it is valuable to do a bit of background reading from your textbook in order to define and refine your topic.

Choosing too large a topic

Choose as small a topic as you can for the length of the paper required.

Failing to define your thesis and make a plan

Before you start using your research materials, define your thesis. This will help to establish structure, organization, and focus.

A standard 3 part thesis contains:

statement of topic

your position on it

basic parts of your argument (blueprint or plan of development)

Once you have a thesis, creating even a basic outline will help you stay on topic and adequately develop your ideas.

Trying to use all the sources you found

Select only those sources that directly apply to your paper.

How many? Check with your instructor and/or assignment

Journal articles are easier to use than full length books.

Not all sources are credible; use the databases recommended for your program.

Not following instructors’ specifications

Using quotes or paraphrases to make your points

You make the point: use quotes and summaries to support your ideas.

Avoid the “necklace” paper: don’t string together a series of direct quotations or paraphrases.

In fact, avoid paraphrasing because the idea is to summarize your research. If you are restating someone else’s work or ideas, you have to be very careful you don’t overdo it or that your instructors will accept paraphrased research.

Using too many quotes

Only use quotes when a summary will corrupt or lessen the idea.

Use quotes for authority, eloquence, and control.

How many quotes? Only 1 – 2 per page and try to keep them short.

The remaining information should be summarized or paraphrased.

Plagiarizing and other forms of academic dishonesty

All information you got from your sources except common knowledge in the field must be credited – in text and on your reference page.

This means that you should have 4 – 5 in text citations per paragraph.

Don’t rely on only one source per paragraph.

If you can find it on the Internet, so can your instructor!

The work must be your own and must be the first time it’s submitted for grading.

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